Application of a Novel Nasal Clip for Nostril Retention After Primary Unilateral Cleft Rhinoplasty

Objective This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of using a novel nasal clip designed for nostril retention after primary unilateral cleft rhinoplasty. Design This is a retrospective study. Setting Department of Cleft Lip and Palate in a stomatological hospital. Patients A retrospective study was conducted on 57 patients who had a unilateral complete cleft lip without cleft palate and underwent primary surgical repair. Interventions The patients were categorized into 3 groups: the group in which the conventional nasal retainer was used, that in which the nasal clip was used, and the control group in which no postoperative nasal retainer was used. The nasal retainer or our nasal clip was applied 7 days after primary surgical repair and kept in the nostrils of children from 6 to 12 months. Main Outcome Measures Noses underwent photogrammetry preoperatively, postoperatively, and at follow-up. The nose was also subjectively scored at the follow-up. Results The nasal retainer and the nasal clip significantly minimized relapse as determined by nasal tip deviation. The nasal clip sustained nasal symmetry, as determined by the postoperative nostril width ratio, better than did the conventional retainer. After 6 to 12 months, the nasal clip achieved better columellar morphology and a more symmetric nasal base than did the conventional nasal retainer. Statistical differences in subjective scores between the control and nostril retention groups were noted. Conclusion The application of the novel nasal clip after primary unilateral cleft rhinoplasty preserves nasal morphology and reduces postoperative relapse without the need for adhesive tape.